The Photoyellowing of Stilbene-derived Fluorescent Whitening Agents—Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Yellow Photoproducts

The application of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) significantly accelerates the photoyellowing of wool and silk under exposure to the ultraviolet and visible components of sunlight <500 nm. The photochemistry involved in this process is poorly understood, particularly the role of photoproducts derived directly from the FWA itself. Hydroxylation was identified as the key initial mechanism of photodegradation leading to coloration of the solution in the irradiation of the stilbene-derived FWA 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl (DSBP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Polyhydroxylated DSBP derivatives were implicated as critical intermediates in the formation of yellow photoproducts under these conditions. The formation of trace quantities of DSBP quinone derivatives subsequent to hydroxylation was identified as the key cause of DSBP photoyellowing. These results are the first successful characterization of yellow photoproducts resulting directly from irradiation of a stilbene-based FWA. Formation of these yellow stilbene-based FWA-derived photoproducts may occur on the surface of FWA-treated wool exposed to simulated sunlight, as previous work has shown that H₂O₂ is photogenerated when wet FWA-treated wool is exposed to light. These results therefore suggest that yellow FWA-derived photoproducts contribute to the accelerated photoyellowing of FWA-treated wool.     

Photoproducts Formed in the Photoyellowing of Collagen in the Presence of a Fluorescent Whitening Agent

Fibrous proteins discolor on exposure to the UV component of sunlight. This effect is exacerbated in the presence of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), which are often applied to textiles to improve product brightness. Tryptophan photoproducts have been identified as significant contributors to protein photoyellowing; however, the role of non–tryptophan-derived chromophores is less clear. In this study bovine collagen, containing no tryptophan residues, was irradiated in the presence and absence of the stilbene-derived FWA, 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl (DSBP) and photoproducts were identified using mass spectrometry. Photoyellowing was found to be dependent on the presence of the FWA, attributed to amplified generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. Four key proteinaceous photomodifications contributing directly to photoyellowing were located in irradiated collagen pretreated with DSBP, namely dopa, nitrophenylalanine, nitrotyrosine and nitrohistidine. This represents the first direct characterization of the three nitrated residues in the photoyellowing of an isolated fibrous protein, and implicates the ROS, peroxynitrite, as a key contributor to protein photoyellowing. Direct oxidative modification of the FWA itself was also observed. This study demonstrates that, even in the absence of tryptophan residues, significant photomodification of protein residues leading to chromophore formation occurs in the presence of an FWA.     

A morphology-related study on photodegradation of protein fibres

The wool fibre has a complex morphology, consisting of an outer layer of cuticle scales surrounding an inner cortex. These two components are hard to separate effectively except by using harsh chemical treatments, making it difficult to determine the susceptibility of the different components of the fibre to photoyellowing. An approach to this problem based on mechanical fibre modification is described. To expose the inner cortex of wool to different degrees, clean wool fibres were converted into 'powders' of various fineness via mechanical chopping, air-jet milling, ball milling or their combination. Four types of powdered wool (samples A, B, C and D) were produced with reducing particle size distributions and an increasing level of surface damage as observed using SEM. Sample A contained essentially intact short fibre snippets and sample D contained a large amount of exposed cortical materials. Samples B and C contained a mixture of short fibre snippets and cortical materials. Solid wool discs were then compressed from the corresponding powder samples in a polished stainless steel die to enable colour measurement and UV irradiation studies. ATR-FTIR studies on powder discs demonstrated a small shift in the amide I band from 1644cm(-1) for disc A to 1654cm(-1) for disc D due to the different structures of the wool cuticle and cortex, in agreement with previous studies. Similarly an increase in the intensity ratio of the amide I to amide II band (1540cm(-1)) was observed for disc D, which contains a higher fraction of cortical material at the surface of the disc. Discs prepared from sample D appeared the lightest in colour before exposure and had the slowest photoyellowing rate, whereas discs made from powders A-C with a higher level of cuticle coverage were more yellow before exposure and experienced a faster rate of photoyellowing. This suggests that the yellow chromophores of wool may be more prevalent in cuticle scales, and that wool photoyellowing occurs to a greater extent in the cuticle than in the cortex. Photo-induced chemiluminescence measurements showed that sample D had a higher chemiluminescence intensity after exposure to UVA radiation and a faster decay rate than samples A and B. Thus one of the roles of the wool cuticle may be to protect the cortex by quenching of free radical oxidation during exposure to the UV wavelengths present in sunlight.     

The photostability of wool doped with photocatalytic titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Photoyellowing of wool is a serious problem for the wool industry. This study assessed the role of photocatalytic nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (P-25) as a potential antagonist or catalyst in the photoyellowing of wool. Untreated, bleached and bleached and fluorescent-whitened wool slivers were processed into fine wool powders for the purpose of even and intimate mixing with the TiO₂ nanoparticles in the solid state. Pure wool and wool/TiO₂ mixtures were then compressed into solid discs for a photoyellowing study under simulated sunlight and under UVB and UVC radiations. Yellowness and photo-induced chemiluminescence (PICL) measurements showed that nanocrystalline TiO₂ could effectively reduce the rate of photoyellowing by inhibiting free radical generation in doped wool, and that a higher concentration of TiO₂ contributed to a lower rate of photooxidation and reduced photoyellowing. Hence nanocrystalline TiO₂ acts primarily as a UV absorber on wool in dry conditions and not as a photocatalyst.     

Determination of photo-oxidation products within photoyellowed bleached wool proteins

Photo-oxidative processes occurring in wool can lead to significant photoyellowing of the fiber. In particular, wool that has been chemically bleached photoyellows more rapidly and to a greater degree than untreated wool. Direct identification of the chromophores responsible for such yellow discoloration in irradiated wool has proven to be elusive for many years. This article describes the characterization and location of yellow photo-oxidation products within the proteins of photoyellowed bleached wool fabric, using advanced protein chemistry techniques. The discolored fabric was enzymatically digested and chromatographed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, with monitoring at 400 nm, to select out fractions containing yellow chromophoric species. Thorough tandem mass spectrometric analysis was then used to sequence peptides and, in turn, to characterize modifications to key amino acid residues that had resulted in yellow chromophore formation. In total, 11 separate yellow chromophoric species were identified, ten derived from tryptophan residues and one from tyrosine. The tryptophan-derived modifications characterized included hydroxytryptophan, N-formylkynurenine, hydroxyformylkynurenine, kynurenine, hydroxykynurenine, carbolines, tryptophandiones and nitrotryptophan. The tyrosine-derived modification of tyrosine to dopa was also identified. The range of photomodifications we observed provides insight into the photo-oxidation pathways occurring within irradiated fibrous proteins leading to the formation of yellow chromophores.     

Simultaneous detection of ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence

An immunoassay based on CE–LIF was developed for the simultaneous detection of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine 6-4 pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs) in genomic DNA irradiated with UVB or natural sunlight. Human cells were first exposed to varying amounts of UVB or natural sunlight to induce DNA damage. Genomic DNA was extracted and incubated with anti-CPD and anti-6-4PP primary antibodies attached to secondary antibodies with a fluorescent quantum dot (QD) reporter that emitted either red or yellow fluorescence. CE was used to separate the unbound antibodies from those bound to the photoproducts, and LIF with appropriate optical filters was used to separate the fluorescence signals from each QD to individual photomultiplier tubes for simultaneous photoproduct detection. Using this strategy, photoproducts were detected from ∼6 ng (200 ng μL⁻¹) of DNA under a low UVB fluence of 65 J m⁻² for CPDs or 195 J m⁻² for 6-4PPs. This assay was also the first to demonstrate the detection of CPDs in human cells after only 15 min of irradiation under natural sunlight.     

Phototransformation of imidacloprid on isolated tomato fruit cuticles and on tomato fruits

Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, is widely used in plant protection to prevent crop losses. The objective of this study was to show the photochemical fate of imidacloprid on plant surfaces by irradiation experiments on isolated tomato fruit cuticles and tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Imidacloprid spiked samples were irradiated both under sunlight simulator and natural sunlight conditions for 24 h, which resulted in recoveries of 23% and 24%, respectively, if isolated cuticles were studied. On whole tomato fruits, recoveries were 33% and 71%, respectively. Similar results were obtained on cuticles spiked with the formulation Confidor and irradiated under natural sunlight. However, on tomato fruits the application of Confidor resulted in a higher loss (56%) of imidacloprid. During all irradiation experiments both on cuticles and whole fruits, 1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]imidazolidin-2-imine was generally formed at 10–14 mol%, but different other photoproducts were also detected in low amounts, whereas N-nitrosoimidacloprid was only detected under natural sunlight conditions. Rapid photodegradation of imidacloprid could be demonstrated in all experiments. The identified photoproducts, 1-[(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)methyl]imidazolidin-2-imine and N-nitrosoimidacloprid, are possible reaction partners for plant cuticle constituents to form cuticle bound residues.     

Photooxidation of Tryptophan Leading to 2‐Aminoacetophenone – A Possible Reason for the Untypical Aging Off‐flavor in Wine

2‐Aminoacetophenone (AAP) was recognized as the key compound for the so‐called untypical aging off‐flavor (UTA) in Vitis vinifera wines. In this study, it was shown that AAP can be formed by photooxidation of free and protein‐bound tryptophan (TRP) in combination with a subsequent storage in model wine. Solutions of TRP and lysozyme were exposed to artificial sunlight both in the presence and in the absence of the photosensitizer riboflavin. Aliquots of the irradiation batches were stored in model wine solutions containing tartaric acid, sulfite and ethanol in different combinations. AAP formation could be identified from both free and bound (lysozyme) TRP, while free TRP resulted in higher yields. The presence of riboflavin during irradiation generally favored the AAP formation. AAP formation increased with increasing irradiation times, but AAP was not detectable, if TRP was directly incubated in model wine. Not only the irradiation time but also the storage time of model wines favored the formation of AAP. Concerning the model wine composition, it became evident that the presence of tartaric acid resulted in the highest AAP formation during storage.     

Direct aqueous photochemistry of isoprene high-NO(x) secondary organic aerosol

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated from the high-NO(x) photooxidation of isoprene was dissolved in water and irradiated with λ > 290 nm radiation to simulate direct photolytic processing of organics in atmospheric water droplets. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to characterize the composition at four time intervals (0, 1, 2, and 4 h). Photolysis resulted in the decomposition of high molecular weight (MW) oligomers, reducing the average length of organics by 2 carbon units. The average molecular composition changed significantly after irradiation (C(12)H(19)O(9)N(0.08) + hν → C(10)H(16)O(8)N(0.40)). Approximately 65% by count of SOA molecules decomposed during photolysis, accompanied by the formation of new products. An average of 30% of the organic mass was modified after 4 h of direct photolysis. In contrast, only a small fraction of the mass (<2%), belonging primarily to organic nitrates, decomposed in the absence of irradiation by hydrolysis. Furthermore, the concentration of aromatic compounds increased significantly during photolysis. Approximately 10% (lower limit) of photodegraded compounds and 50% (upper limit) of the photoproducts contain nitrogen. Organic nitrates and multifunctional oligomers were identified as compounds degraded by photolysis. Low-MW 0N (compounds with 0 nitrogen atoms in their structure) and 2N compounds were the dominant photoproducts. Fragmentation experiments using tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n), n = 2-3) indicate that the 2N products are likely heterocyclic/aromatic and are tentatively identified as furoxans. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, these 2N heterocyclic compounds are produced by reactions between photochemically-formed aqueous NO(x) species and SOA organics.     

PHOTOALKYLATION OF PURINES IN DNA

Abstract— Ultraviolet light irradiation of DNA in the presence of alcohols such as 2-propanol leads to hydroxyalkylation of the purine bases. The purine photoproducts were identified as C-8 hydroxyalkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine by chromatographic mobility, co-crystallization with authentic samples, and by photoreversal to the original purines. Experiments are reported which demonstrate that the photoalkylation reaction is dependent upon secondary structural alterations in DNA. It is suggested that the photoalkylation of purines proceeds through free-radical intermediates.
The presence of alcohols during irradiation considerably decreases pyrimidine-dimer formation.     

Photooxidation of ABS of long-wavelengths

The evolution of the photochemical degradation of ABS has been studied in conditions of long wavelength irradiation (λ's> 300 nm). The main photoproducts involved in the oxidative evolution have been identified by using FTIR spectroscopy and chemical titrations. A particular attention has been devoted to α–β unsaturated ketones that appear as secondary photoproducts. Those ketones present a low photochemical stability when exposed in the range 300–400 nm. Conditions for their formation have been experimentally studied. Formation of oxidation photoproducts has been also studied at the macroscopic level and it has been shown that their repartition in the polymer is heterogeneous. The origins of the heterogenities have been studied.     

Proteomic evaluation and location of UVB-induced photo-oxidation in wool

Photo-oxidation of proteinaceous fibres correlates directly to lowered appearance retention and performance, with particular commercial significance for wool and human hair. We here outline the first detailed proteomic evaluation of differential photo-oxidation occurring in the cuticle and cortex of wool fibres.After exposure of whole wool to UVB irradiation, physical disruption techniques designed to minimise further oxidative modification were utilised to prepare enriched cuticle and cortex fractions. This was followed by comprehensive redox proteomic analyses of photo-oxidation via the location within the fibre components of modifications to aromatic residues. An oxidative classification system was developed and applied to provide further insight into differential photo-oxidation. These results were compared with coloration changes observed within the cuticular and cortical components of the fibre.In this study, although the cuticle was observed to have a higher level of baseline oxidation, the cortex exhibited significantly higher levels of photo-oxidation under UVB irradiation. These proteomic results were supported by the observation of significantly higher photoyellowing within the cortex than within the cuticle. It has been assumed that fibre photo-oxidation was predominantly confined to the wool cuticle, and that changes within the cuticle had the greatest effect on appearance retention. These results provide new insight into the contribution of the cortex to photo-induced discoloration of proteinaceous animal fibres.     

Identification of products formed during UV irradiation of tamoxifen and their use for fluorescence detection in high-performance liquid chromatography

During the UV irradiation of tamoxifen, isomerization of the trans to the cis isomer takes place and consequently corresponding highly fluorescent phenanthrene derivatives are formed. Their formation can be used for the sensitive and selective detection of tamoxifen in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structure of photoproducts was identified by 1H NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Owing to the variety of products formed and the higher selectivity and fluorescence response, on-line postcolumn photocyclization is preferred to the precolumn mode. A chromatographic system for the separation of isomers and photoproducts is suggested.     

Matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared study of photodecomposition of formimidic acid

The UV isomerization of formamide (HCONH2) trapped in xenon, nitrogen, argon, and neon cryogenic matrices has been monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Formamide monomer is the only species present in the matrices after deposition; when UV-selective irradiation was carried out at 240 nm, the n --> pi transition allowed us to observe the formation of several isomers of formimidic acid [H(OH)C=NH]. On these latter species, we carried out selective IR irradiation of their OH stretching mode and compared the experimental and theoretical (B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,2p)) sets of bands. This study allowed us to characterize for the first time all the isomers of formimidic acid. We have then studied the vacuum UV photodecomposition (lambda > 160 nm) of this molecule at 10 K in argon and xenon matrices. Several primary photoproducts such as HCN.H2O, HNC.H2O, and HNCO.H2 complexes, yielded by dehydration and dehydrogenation processes, were characterized.     

Determination of fluorescent whitening agents in laundry detergents and surface waters by solid-phase extraction and ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple method was developed to detect four stilbene-type disulfonate and one distyrylbiphenyl-type fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) in household laundry detergents and surface waters by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography. The FWA concentrations in detergents were measured directly. The contents of FWAs in water samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (C18-SPE) with ion-pairing reagent, and were then determined by an isocratic ion-pair chromatography (IPC) using a C18 column, applying tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate (TBA) as the ion-pairing reagent in mobile phase, and equipped with fluorescence detection. Water samples at various pH conditions for SPE were evaluated. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is precise and sensitive in analyzing FWAs, and enables quantitation of 0.01-0.1 microg/l in 100 ml water samples. The recovery rates of FWAs in spiked water samples were between 73 and 89%, and the precision (RSD) ranged from 2.6 to 8.9%. Over 7200 microg/g of 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostryl)-biphenyl (DSBP) and 2320 microg/g of 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)-amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DAS1) were detected in household laundry detergents. Trace amounts of DSBP were detected in surface water samples ranging from 0.2 to 3.7 microg/l.     

可见光化的半导体光催化剂

光解水制氢能否实用化取决于太阳光的有效利用率, 研究开发可见光化的光催化剂成为当前光催化剂研究中的重要课题.本文介绍了利用 光解水制氢的反应机理,综述了近年来半导体光催化剂在利用可见光方面的研究进展,重点描述了这些光催化剂的结构,并对该领域今后的研究方向进行了展望.     

Multielectron photoreduction of a bridged ruthenium dimer, [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2][PF6]4: aqueous reactivity and chemical and spectroelectrochemical identification of the photoproducts

The dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex [(phen)(2)Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)(2)][PF(6)](4) (P) (where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline and tatpp is 9,11,20,22-tetraazatetrapyrido[3,2-a:2'3'-c:3' ',2' '-l:2' ",3' "]pentacene) is shown to accept up to four electrons and two protons on the central tatpp bridging ligand via a combination of stoichiometric chemical reductions and protonations and spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) in acetonitrile. The absorption spectra of seven distinct species related by reduction and/or protonation of the central tatpp ligand were obtained and the two sequential photoproducts obtained from visible irradiation of P in acetonitrile (with 0.25 M triethylamine (TEA)) thus identified as P(-) (singly reduced, nonprotonated P) and HP(-) (doubly reduced, monoprotonated P), respectively. Importantly, the photochemical activity is maintained in mixed water-acetonitrile (1:4) solutions under basic conditions, and the protonation state of the photoproducts is readily controlled by varying the solution pH between 8 and 12. Absorption spectra obtained by SEC under similar solvent conditions were virtually identical to those obtained photochemically, and thus the doubly reduced photoproducts were identified as P(2)(-) (pH 12), HP(-) (pH 10), and H(2)()P (pH 8). This last photoproduct, H(2)()P, is particularly promising with respect to solar hydrogen production in that it can be produced in the presence of water and its dehydrogenation under appropriate conditions could yield H(2) and regenerate P. A qualitative MO diagram is presented as a framework for understanding the observed optical transitions as a function of oxidation and protonation state.     

PHOTOREACTIONS OF ALLOPURINOL AND HYPOXANTHINE WITH 2-PROPANOL

Abstract— Ultraviolet irradiation of allopurinol with 2-propanol, either in aqueous solution at 254 nm or in aqueous acetone (used as a photosensitizer) at > 290 nm, gave 2-(3'-hydroxy-2',3'-dimethylbutan-2'-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (3) and 6-(2'-hydroxypropan-2'-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (4) as major products. In addition, two minor photoproducts, which were not characterized, were detected by thin layer chromatography. Under similar irradiation conditions, hypoxanthine yielded 8-(2'-hydroxypropan-2'-yl)-2-(propan-2'-yl)hypoxanthine (5), 8-(3'-hydroxy-2',3'-dimethylbutan-2'-yl)hy-poxanthine (6) and 8-(2'-hydroxypropan-2'-yl)hypoxanthine (7) together with two unidentified minor photoproducts. Compounds 5 and 6 appear to be secondary photoproducts derived from 7. Initiation of the reaction by photodecomposition of di- t -butyl peroxide led to specific formation of 4 from allopurinol and of 7 from hypoxanthine. The allopurinol and hypoxanthine photoproducts were characterized by their ¹H-NMR, UV, and mass spectra.     

Photodimerization of 7,8-dihydroneopterin in aqueous solution under UV-A irradiation

7,8-Dihydroneopterin (H(2) Nep) is secreted during the oxidative burst of stimulated macrophages. The photochemistry of H(2) Nep was investigated in neutral aqueous solutions exposed to UV-A radiation (320-400nm) at room temperature. The kinetics were followed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, whereas the photoproducts were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Excitation of H(2) Nep leads to the formation of isomeric dimers with molecular masses equal to exactly twice the molecular mass of the reactant. The corresponding quantum yield of H(2) Nep consumption (Φ(-R) =(3.8±0.5)×10(-2)) was independent of O(2) and reactant concentrations. Mechanistic implications are discussed.     

Methanesulfenyl fluoride, CH3SF, a missing link in the family of sulfenyl halides: formation and characterization through the matrix photochemistry of methyl thiofluoroformate, FC(O)SCH3

Matrix-isolation experiments have afforded the means of preparing the hitherto unknown sulfur(II) fluoride, methanesulfenyl fluoride, CH3SF. Broadband UV-visible irradiation of methyl thiofluoroformate, FC(O)SCH3, isolated in a solid Ar matrix results, first, in photoisomerization of the syn into the anti form of the molecule, and, subsequently, in the elimination of CO with the concomitant formation of CH3SF. Continued irradiation brings about tautomerization of this product with the detachment and migration of a hydrogen from the methyl group to give the molecular complex H2C==S...HF. The changes have been monitored and the photoproducts detected and identified by the IR spectra of the matrices, and the conclusions confirmed: 1) with reference to the corresponding behavior of the perdeuterated molecule FC(O)SCD3; 2) by analogy with the properties of related molecules, for example, ClC(O)SCH3, CH3SCl, and H2C==S...HCl, and; 3) by comparison with the vibrational properties simulated for the different molecules by ab initio and density functional theory methods.